Many times I have said that if we leave a worship service the same as when we came, we have not really worshipped. If we as worshippers leave a worship service with no thought of becoming more Godly in our walk, without a conviction that we need to conform our lives to the Holy Word, unmotivated to be a part of God's mission or have not experienced God's presence in a way that is life-changing, then somehow we have perverted the worship experience.
If we really believed this it would change the way we worship and the way we lead worship. We wouldn't just ask for a "good time in worship." Our expectations would be much higher. We would do all we could do to serve God's purpose for the church as we gaze on His glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
The whole reason for us to seek His presence and behold His glory is because God's intention is to transform us into His image. These are the kinds of changes that God wants to take place among the Body of Christ in the local church. When we join together in glorifying God in Sunday worship, God works in us "both to will and to work for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). The joy is all ours, but the glory is all His! May we be faithful in praying every week that our gathered worship will be life-changing for the glory of God! mjm
